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President Trump has delivered a stark ultimatum to Iran, threatening to restart military operations if the nation rejects his proposed peace agreement conditions.

The President outlined specific demands for any potential peace settlement, stating that Iran must halt all nuclear enrichment activities and guarantee that the Strait of Hormuz waterway stays accessible to international shipping traffic.

These developments come as mixed signals emerge regarding the actual terms of the current ceasefire arrangement between the two nations.

The strategic Strait of Hormuz serves as a critical shipping lane for global oil transportation, making its status a key concern for international commerce and energy markets.

Trump’s latest statements add uncertainty to the fragile diplomatic situation as both sides navigate the complex negotiations surrounding a potential long-term peace framework.

DORDRECHT, Netherlands — Authorities in the Netherlands are conducting a social media outreach initiative to locate and provide assistance to teenage girls and young women across multiple countries, including the United States, who fell victim to an international online blackmail scheme involving explicit photographs.

The investigation began after receiving information from U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and has identified over 50 female victims between ages 13 and 20 spanning six nations: the United States, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Germany, Montenegro, and Canada.

The accused is 22-year-old Damian A., whose full name is withheld according to Dutch privacy laws. He was taken into custody in early 2023 and began facing trial Wednesday in Dordrecht. Court officials expect a decision within weeks, and both prosecution and defense attorneys confirm he has admitted guilt.

“We are very worried because what these girls have had to endure is so extreme and so intense, and we know that there are more girls but we don’t know who they are,” Rotterdam Police Sexual Crimes Team member Milou van der Kolk told The Associated Press. She explained that evidence recovered from the defendant’s electronic devices suggests additional unidentified victims exist.

Operating under the online identity “Turpien,” the suspect allegedly forced victims to inscribe “Owned by Turpien” on their bodies or display signs while performing progressively humiliating acts. Authorities also allege he distributed images of his victims to third parties.

Van der Kolk noted that the Dutch initiative also serves to inform victims that their alleged abuser is now incarcerated and unable to cause further harm.

“This case highlights the importance of strong international cooperation, such as between U.S. and Dutch authorities, which is essential for protecting children online and effectively investigating and prosecuting offenders across borders,” Homeland Security Investigations attache in The Hague Eben Roberts stated in an email to AP.

“HSI is committed to solidify these partnerships to bring these child predators to face justice,” Roberts added.

Roberts explained that the Netherlands campaign, which provides contact information and resources for victims seeking assistance, coordinates with a U.S. initiative called Know2Protect that addresses online child exploitation.

Prosecutors revealed in a statement that psychological evaluation of the defendant determined he suffers from “an autism spectrum disorder and a sexual sadism disorder.” They are requesting a nine-year prison sentence plus mandatory psychiatric treatment. Charges include online assault and online rape, extortion, and creating, possessing and distributing child pornography.

Law enforcement officials allege the abuse began when the suspect deceived victims into sharing explicit photographs by posing as a female peer. He subsequently threatened to distribute the images unless they provided additional material.

The situation illustrates an expanding digital danger facing young people.

“Sextortion is an increasingly significant societal problem,” prosecutors stated, highlighting that 2025 witnessed a 46% surge in online sex crimes compared to the prior year, totaling more than 3,000 incidents in the Netherlands.

Kenya’s government is challenging findings from a United Nations investigation that confirmed sexual abuse allegations against personnel in a UN-supported anti-gang operation in Haiti, which consists primarily of Kenyan police officers.

The UN released a report on February 16 stating that its Human Rights Office had confirmed four separate allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse from the previous year involving members of the international force.

Kenya’s Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi responded this week in correspondence to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, stating that Kenya’s own inquiry board had examined the accusations and determined them to be “found to be unsubstantiated.”

“Investigations conducted were impartial and shared with all relevant stakeholders, including U.N. human rights offices,” Mudavadi stated in his letter.

UN representatives in Kenya have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the dispute.

The international force, numbering approximately 1,000 personnel with Kenya providing the majority, began operations in June 2024 to fight gang organizations that have taken control of most of Haiti’s capital city.

This controversy echoes past problems with the previous UN peacekeeping mission called MINUSTAH, which operated in Haiti from 2004 through 2017. That mission faced numerous accusations of sexual abuse and exploitation, including cases involving children, though only a small number of peacekeepers faced prosecution in their home nations.

ROME, April 9 – Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni addressed parliament Thursday, calling on European Union leadership to contemplate temporarily halting budget deficit restrictions should conflicts involving the United States, Israel, and Iran intensify.

During her parliamentary address, Meloni also indicated her administration stands prepared to implement measures aimed at preventing energy price manipulation, potentially including additional windfall taxes targeting energy sector companies.

“We believe that discussing a possible temporary suspension of the Stability and Growth Pact should not be taboo. Not a waiver for individual Member States, but a general measure,” Meloni stated during her speech.

The Prime Minister’s statements arrive as Italy prepares to reduce its economic growth projections for 2026 and subsequent years later this month. These revised estimates will complicate Italy’s efforts to reduce its deficit below the European Union’s mandated 3% of GDP threshold within the current timeframe.

Between 2020 and 2023, European Union officials implemented what they termed a ‘general escape clause’ that suspended standard budget requirements, enabling member nations to address the COVID-19 pandemic’s economic impact, which resulted in widespread lockdowns, economic decline, and border closures across Europe.

However, this emergency provision can only be utilized during significant economic downturns affecting the eurozone or the entire European Union – conditions that major economic forecasters do not currently anticipate.

Italy maintains the option to invoke a national emergency clause that would permit deviation from EU-agreed budget targets during extraordinary circumstances beyond the country’s control. However, the government has dismissed this possibility while Rome remains subject to the excessive deficit procedure.

“Italy remains ready to take every possible measure to prevent potential speculative behaviour (on energy prices), including, if necessary, further action regarding the profits of energy companies,” Meloni added during her address.

Both Meloni and her predecessor Mario Draghi have previously implemented windfall taxes targeting the energy industry, resulting in legal challenges from affected corporations.

Two major terrorist organizations operating in West Africa have engaged in combat for the first time within Niger’s borders, representing a dangerous expansion of their ongoing conflict, according to security analysts.

The Islamic State in the Sahel Province (ISSP) and the al Qaeda-affiliated Jama’at Nusrat al‑Islam wal‑Muslimin (JNIM) have been battling each other since 2019, but their confrontations had previously been limited to Mali and Burkina Faso. Last week marked the first instance of their rivalry extending into Niger.

According to data from Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED), a organization that tracks global conflicts, these two groups have engaged in hundreds of battles over the past five years, leading to more than 2,100 fatalities.

In a Monday statement, ISSP claimed responsibility for attacking a JNIM stronghold in Niger’s western Tillaberi region on April 2. The group reported eliminating 35 enemy fighters and capturing weapons along with motorcycles, stating the assault was retaliation for a JNIM attack on a local village in the same area.

Human Rights Watch has previously documented ISSP’s involvement in deadly civilian attacks throughout the Tillaberi region. JNIM has not responded to the recent incident and remains unavailable for comment.

Heni Nsaibia, who serves as ACLED’s senior West Africa analyst, described ISSP’s claims as having “quite high credibility” due to the organization’s track record of providing photographic proof of eliminated rivals and captured equipment.

The expansion of inter-group violence demonstrates the minimal government authority present across much of the Sahel region, Nsaibia explained.

“This competition will likely continue to fuel recruitment, expansion, and violence, making the jihadist insurgency increasingly difficult to contain,” he said.

JNIM released its own video statement describing an April 5 operation in Nigeria’s Kebbi state, where the group claimed to have eliminated one rival fighter and captured another. The statement referred to their targets using the Arabic term “khawarij,” meaning separatists, which JNIM commonly applies to ISSP members but could indicate other groups as well.

Beverly Ochieng, a senior analyst with Control Risks consulting firm, noted that inadequate security coordination between Nigeria and Niger has created opportunities for JNIM to establish operational bases and strategic positions in southern Niger and northwestern Nigeria.

This expansion is “leading to clashes with the more well-established IS branches and affiliates,” she explained.

BUCHAREST, April 9 (Reuters) – Romania’s centrist leader Nicusor Dan selected seven new chief prosecutors and their deputies on Wednesday evening, moving forward with the appointments despite strong objections from advocacy groups and the nation’s highest judicial oversight authority. The decision has intensified worries about Romania’s weakening efforts to combat corruption.

Transparency International has consistently placed Romania among the European Union’s most corruption-plagued nations.

The European Union maintained special oversight of Romania’s judicial system following the country’s 2007 EU membership, but anti-corruption investigations have decelerated since this monitoring ended in 2023. Recent high-profile acquittals by the courts have heightened fears that the nation’s anti-corruption drive is losing steam.

Dan selected Cristina Chiriac for the role of prosecutor general, named Viorel Cerbu to head the DNA anti-corruption prosecution office, and chose Codrin Miron to lead DIICOT, the anti-organized crime prosecution unit, along with four deputy positions.

Chiriac’s selection as Prosecutor General drew the heaviest criticism, with advocacy organizations and investigative reporters alleging she concealed evidence regarding sexual abuse committed by a bishop who was subsequently found guilty. Chiriac has rejected these claims.

“The expectation I now have from the prosecuting units … is to speed up activity to meet Romanians’ expectations, because Romanians see corruption, both high-level and in their daily interaction with state authorities,” Dan stated to members of the press.

Romanian legal procedures require the president to select chief judges and prosecutors from candidates recommended by the justice minister, with review by the CSM judicial regulator, although CSM approval is not required by law.

Justice Minister Radu Marinescu, who belongs to the leftist Social Democrats – the dominant party in the coalition government – maintained his support for these candidates even after the CSM repeatedly declined to endorse them.

“The appointments … are a big mistake,” former justice minister Stelian Ion wrote on his Facebook page. “To so easily ignore CSM’s … negative opinion does not bode well.”

Dan has stood by his selections, explaining that he reached his conclusions following extensive conversations with prosecutors.

“(The appointments) are the right choice for the time we live in,” stated Dan, who secured his first five-year presidential term nearly a year ago. “If for some reason I am wrong, I will be penalised in four years.”

NAYPYITAW, Myanmar (AP) — Thursday marked the parliamentary confirmation of Myanmar’s new cabinet, which is overwhelmingly composed of ex-military generals and officials who served in the previous army-controlled administration under Min Aung Hlaing.

The cabinet formation comes after disputed elections held in December and January, yet shows minimal indication of a shift back to civilian control five years following the 2021 military coup that Hlaing orchestrated.

Friday’s ceremony will see Min Aung Hlaing take the presidential oath of office alongside two deputy presidents and the newly confirmed cabinet officials.

Aung Lin Dwe, the parliament’s speaker, announced that lawmakers unanimously endorsed all 30 ministerial appointments without any opposition.

The official roster reveals that 24 appointees are either active or retired military personnel, or legislators affiliated with the military-supported Union Solidarity and Development Party. Among these ministers, 18 previously held cabinet positions in the former military administration, while four additional appointees served as military and governmental officials during that same period.

Multiple cabinet members face international sanctions from foreign nations that have accused them of backing and participating in military rule or committing human rights violations.

Lawmakers additionally confirmed the reappointment of the constitutional tribunal’s chairman, the nation’s top prosecutor, and Supreme Court justices.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations joined other international entities in refusing to acknowledge Myanmar’s recent elections, citing the exclusion of most opposition factions and severe limitations on political dissent. Combat zones affected by Myanmar’s continuing civil conflict prevented voting in certain regions.

BEIJING, April 9 – Chinese foreign ministry officials expressed optimism that involved nations will “grasp this chance at peace and bring the region back to stability as soon as possible” following the announcement of a US-Iran ceasefire agreement that ended weeks of Middle Eastern conflict.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters during a daily briefing that China has kept open lines of communication with all involved parties and “actively sought to promote reconciliation and prevent further fighting.”

The two-week truce between the United States and Iran was announced Tuesday evening, bringing a temporary halt to hostilities that had disrupted international markets and created widespread geopolitical tensions.

Chinese officials urged the involved nations to take advantage of this peaceful moment to “resolve differences through dialogue and consultation and work towards to early restoration of peace and stability in the Gulf and the Middle East region,” according to Mao’s statement.

President Donald Trump announced plans to keep American military forces positioned in the Middle East until a permanent peace agreement with Iran can be established, while also issuing warnings about potential escalation should Iran violate ceasefire terms. Global oil markets continued to show volatility amid ongoing concerns about supply chains and potential restrictions affecting the Strait of Hormuz.

The Israeli Defense Forces announced Thursday that they successfully targeted and killed a high-ranking Hezbollah operative who was closely connected to the organization’s leadership.

According to Israeli military officials, Ali Yusuf Harshi was eliminated during an overnight operation in the Beirut region. Harshi held dual roles within the Iran-supported Lebanese militant organization, serving both as the personal secretary to Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem and as Qassem’s nephew.

“The IDF struck in the Beirut area and eliminated Ali Yusuf Harshi, the personal secretary and nephew of Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem,” military officials stated.

The operation represents another targeted action by Israeli forces against Hezbollah leadership figures in Lebanon.

CALAIS, France – A tragic incident in the English Channel has left four people dead after a vessel transporting migrants bound for Britain capsized on Thursday, according to French officials.

Authorities in Calais confirmed the deadly accident in an official statement, noting that the circumstances surrounding the incident continue to be evaluated. “A taxi-boat sinking occurred today. The situation is still being assessed and remains subject to change,” officials stated.

The term “taxi-boats” has become common terminology among authorities to describe a new trafficking method that has emerged over the past year. Criminal organizations now use motorized dinghies to travel along the coastlines of northern France and Belgium, collecting migrants at various points along the shoreline.

Migration data from the University of Oxford’s Migration Observatory reveals that approximately 2,200 people have successfully made the dangerous crossing through the Channel – one of the globe’s most congested shipping corridors – to reach Britain during the initial two months of 2026. The previous year saw roughly 41,500 individuals complete the treacherous journey.

SHANGHAI – Chinese broadcasting authorities announced Thursday they have successfully eliminated all misleading medical advertisements from national television networks by the end of March.

The National Radio and Television Administration launched a comprehensive crackdown last August targeting deceptive healthcare advertising practices, including inflated benefits and fraudulent promotional content, according to an official statement posted online.

Regulators indicated they plan to maintain ongoing oversight to prevent future violations.

FUJIYOSHIDA, Japan (AP) — It all began with one stunning photograph.

A breathtaking image showing Japan’s iconic snow-covered Mount Fuji rising behind a crimson pagoda and delicate cherry blossoms quickly spread across social media platforms, capturing the essence of Japanese spring.

Before long, visitors seeking their own version of this picture flooded the quiet mountain town. Problems quickly followed: endless traffic backups, scattered trash, rude tourists knocking on residents’ doors asking to use bathrooms, and visitors using front yards as restrooms.

The situation became so overwhelming that Fujiyoshida officials decided in February to call off this year’s cherry blossom celebration — an event originally created ten years ago to attract visitors.

Residents now describe the situation as “tourism pollution,” highlighting a growing challenge across Japan: While government leaders seek tourism revenue to help the struggling economy, local communities lack preparation for managing waves of international visitors.

“This area is primarily an ordinary residential neighborhood, where balancing (tourism) with the safety of people’s living environment has become difficult,” Masatoshi Hada, manager of the Fujiyoshida Economics and Environment Department, told The Associated Press. “We decided not to promote a festival that would invite more visitors.”

Despite canceling the festival, international tourists still flooded the area during early April when cherry blossoms peaked. Narrow roads leading to popular Arakurayama Sengen Park became packed with visitors waiting in line to capture the famous scenic views.

Daily foreign visitor numbers have topped 10,000 in recent years, which has “threatened residents’ daily lives,” according to a February city statement.

Similar overcrowding issues plague other Japanese destinations including Kyoto and Kamakura. Kyoto residents report tourists with oversized luggage jamming public buses.

This “tourism pollution” coincides with Japan welcoming growing numbers of foreign workers as the nation’s population shrinks and ages. These changes have sparked xenophobia, with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s nationalist administration proposing stricter foreign visitor regulations.

While promising to tackle overtourism problems, the government aims to increase current tourist numbers from 40 million to 60 million annual visitors by 2030.

Starting April 1, coinciding with cherry blossom season, Fujiyoshida deployed additional security personnel and banned tour buses and private vehicles from the scenic area, forcing visitors to walk to the park.

During a recent visit, security officer Hiroaki Nagayama directed pedestrians away from congested zones. He reminded tourists to dispose of cigarettes properly and assisted lost visitors.

“I’m struggling. I cannot communicate with them in Japanese. Some people buy food at stalls and leave litter behind,” Nagayama says. “I think what’s happening here is a typical example of overtourism.”

Sitting outside his home nearby, 93-year-old resident Hitoshi Mori describes having numerous visitors as “good but annoying.”

“It’s too crowded outside so I can only get groceries once a week and stock up on food,” he says.

Visitors appear thrilled with the magnificent scenery, despite numerous signs demanding better behavior. Many endure hours-long waits to reach prime viewing locations.

“It’s pretty (well) organized. When they let you come in, you have like five minutes to take as many pictures as you can, and it was amazing,” said Lisa Goerdert from Paris.

Melbourne, Australia visitor Vicky Tran, traveling with family and friends, explained they couldn’t reach the pagoda viewpoint with Mount Fuji and cherry blossoms due to crowds. Nevertheless, she appreciated the scenery and neighborhood atmosphere.

The tourist surge has created tensions between residents wanting tranquility and those launching businesses by converting yards into paid parking or opening new stores and food stands.

A nearby shopping district that previously featured numerous closed family businesses has experienced renewed activity after another viral social media image showed Mount Fuji towering over the street.

Crowds of tourists gather in the roadway photographing Mount Fuji, frequently blocking traffic while frustrated drivers honk their horns.

The visitor influx represents a dramatic shift “for people like us who are used to a quiet suburban lifestyle,” says Masami Nakamura, who operates a long-established school uniform store with her spouse. “I only hope the tourists respect our rules and manners.”

Even those benefiting from increased business find the crowds challenging.

“I once almost hit a tourist who jumped into the street without looking,” said Kyoko Funakubo, a 60-year-old employee at a local hotel and a part-time vendor selling Fuji-themed souvenirs. “This place used to be almost abandoned, with many shuttered shops. But now, with many stores reopened or new shops that have opened, I feel good seeing this area come alive again.”

BUDAPEST, Hungary — President Donald Trump’s military actions against Iran have created unexpected friction with European conservative leaders who were once considered strong allies of his America First movement.

While Vice President JD Vance made a high-profile campaign appearance this week supporting Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, such displays of solidarity have become increasingly rare among Europe’s right-wing political figures.

Several prominent conservative leaders across Europe have voiced opposition to Trump’s Iran strategy. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni blocked American forces from using a Sicilian air base for Iranian operations. Marine Le Pen, who leads France’s National Rally, characterized Trump’s military objectives as “erratic.” Meanwhile, Germany’s Alternative for Germany party leadership has demanded the withdrawal of U.S. military forces from German soil.

Despite a temporary ceasefire with Iran, Trump’s endorsement of Orbán might not benefit the Hungarian strongman, who confronts a challenging election this weekend. Orbán has long served as a model for global conservatives and American right-wing figures who admire his immigration restrictions and governmental restructuring that keeps his Fidesz party in control.

Charles Kupchan, who teaches international relations at Georgetown University and works as a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, believes Orbán’s historical relationship with Trump might shield him from some European anti-Trump sentiment, though this protection isn’t certain.

“Getting a blessing from Donald Trump is now a mixed blessing,” Kupchan stated.

The Iranian conflict backlash follows widespread European anger over Trump’s earlier threats against NATO member Denmark, demanding the country surrender Greenland to American control.

Trump connected both controversies on Wednesday, criticizing NATO’s lack of support during recent military operations.

“NATO WASN’T THERE WHEN WE NEEDED THEM, AND THEY WON’T BE THERE IF WE NEED THEM AGAIN,” Trump posted on social media. “REMEMBER GREENLAND, THAT BIG, POORLY RUN, PIECE OF ICE!!!”

Daniel Baer, who served as an ambassador and State Department official during Barack Obama’s presidency, believes this latest European tension demonstrates the limitations of Trump’s efforts to build a global nationalist movement.

“Building some sort of international coalition around national chauvinism is very difficult,” explained Baer, currently affiliated with the Carnegie Endowment for Peace. “It’s clear the majority of people in these countries, if not anti-American, have turned anti-Trump.”

Orbán has distinguished himself by refusing to join the growing European opposition to Trump.

During a recent interview with British conservative outlet GB News, Orbán suggested uncertainty about Trump’s Iran strategy, questioning “whether (Trump) has started a war or a peace.”

“It hasn’t (been) decided yet, historians will make a decision on that,” Orbán explained. “I think we need some time to understand whether we are moving to the peace by these strikes, or just the opposite. It’s too early to say.”

Orbán’s reluctance to criticize Trump extends beyond ideological alignment. The Hungarian leader has spent years convincing voters that his personal relationships with Trump and other world figures like Russian President Vladimir Putin make him uniquely qualified to advance Hungary’s global interests.

He has consistently highlighted Trump’s endorsements to his supporters and built his reelection campaign around promises that his Trump administration partnership guarantees national security and economic growth.

Orbán welcomed Vance’s visit enthusiastically this week. The vice president condemned European Union critics of Orbán for what he termed “foreign interference” in Hungarian elections while actively campaigning for the prime minister.

During a Wednesday appearance at a prestigious Hungarian university that receives significant government funding and operates under the prime minister’s political director, Vance addressed what he called a “fragile truce” in the Iran conflict.

Vance commended the institution for being “an institution that tries to build up the foundations of Western civilization.” The Trump administration has pursued similar influence over American elite universities, mirroring Orbán’s Hungarian educational policies.

Some experts question Orbán’s approach, pointing to declining American approval ratings even within Hungary.

“Vance’s visit could have the opposite effect on Orbán’s popularity than the one intended,” observed Mario Bikarsku, who analyzes European politics for risk intelligence firm Verisk Maplecroft.

Kupchan argues that most European far-right movements have developed independent political strength without American support and may lack motivation to support Trump’s policies.

“Trump’s effort to create a transnational movement of far-right populists may affect the margins, but the main reason you’re seeing Reform U.K. and AfD and National Rally and other far-right parties prosper has little to do with Trump and more to do with national factors,” he explained.

This reflects a worldwide trend against incumbent governments. While this has generally helped opposition far-right parties across Europe, it threatens Orbán’s position after 16 years in power.

“We’re living in an age,” Kupchan concluded, “where being an incumbent sucks.”

PARIS, April 9 – France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot declared Thursday that any ceasefire arrangement between Iran and the United States should encompass military operations in Lebanon, while also criticizing what he called “massive” Israeli military strikes from the day before.

Speaking during a radio interview with France Inter, Barrot outlined his expectations that Iran will need to make significant compromises during upcoming peace negotiations scheduled to begin in Pakistan.

“Iran must give up to have nuclear weapons and means to obtain them, must give up using its missiles and drones to threaten countries in the region and give up supporting groups like Hezbollah, Hamas and Houthis who destabilize the region,” Barrot stated during the broadcast.

The French diplomat also insisted that Iran must allow unrestricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz as part of any comprehensive agreement.

Russian security forces have taken into custody a former freelance correspondent for Radio Free Europe on Thursday, charging him with treason, according to state media reports from Moscow.

The Federal Security Service announced the arrest occurred in Chita, accusing the unidentified individual of betraying his country by working with Ukraine’s intelligence agency, the SBU. Ukrainian officials have not responded to the allegations.

According to the FSB’s statement reported by TASS, the detained journalist allegedly transmitted sensitive information to Ukrainian intelligence operatives using the encrypted Telegram messaging platform.

LONDON, April 9 – Britain’s Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned Israeli military strikes against Lebanon on Thursday, describing the attacks as “deeply damaging” and warning they could threaten the stability of a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran.

Speaking to Times Radio, Cooper emphasized the need to expand peace efforts to include Lebanon. “We want to see Lebanon included in the ceasefire,” Cooper stated. “We want it extended to cover Lebanon, because otherwise that will destabilise the whole region.”

Cooper specifically criticized Israeli actions from the previous day, saying “That escalation that we saw from Israel yesterday was deeply damaging, and we want to see an end to hostilities.”

The United Kingdom has come under intense scrutiny from President Donald Trump for what he sees as insufficient British support for America’s military campaign against Iran. Despite this pressure, Britain is collaborating with allied nations to help protect Gulf partners and explore options for reopening the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

When questioned about tensions with the United States, Cooper indicated that Britain could maintain its strong relationship with Washington while pursuing its own regional strategy. However, she expressed concern about Trump’s aggressive language, particularly his threats against Iranian civilization.

“I think that the rhetoric that we’ve seen used has been completely wrong,” Cooper told Sky News. “That sort of escalatory rhetoric can have escalatory consequences.”

Intelligence researchers have identified Iranian-backed organizations utilizing artificial intelligence technology to produce sophisticated digital propaganda targeting American audiences and President Trump during recent military conflicts involving the United States and Israel.

Security experts believe these digital campaigns originate from Tehran-connected entities as part of Iran’s broader strategy to maximize impact despite limited conventional resources. This approach mirrors Iran’s tactics of threatening shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz to pressure global economic stability. While Wednesday’s ceasefire announcement offered hope for reduced tensions, numerous underlying conflicts remain unaddressed.

“This is a propaganda war for them,” said Neil Lavie-Driver, an artificial intelligence researcher at the University of Cambridge, speaking about Iran’s strategy. “Their goal is to sow enough discontent with the conflict as to eventually force the West to cave in, so it is massively important to them.”

Digital memes as warfare tools aren’t unprecedented, though AI-generated imagery represents a recent evolution. Similar artificial intelligence content flooded Ukrainian social media following Russia’s 2022 invasion. The term “AI slop” gained widespread usage last year describing the flood of imperfect digital images circulated online during Israel-Iran hostilities aimed at undermining the country’s nuclear capabilities.

Since the current conflict began February 28th with coordinated U.S.-Israel military actions, these digital campaigns have featured sophisticated animated content mocking American leadership.

The propaganda demonstrates fluency in both English language and American cultural references while mastering internet trolling techniques. Distributed across multiple social media platforms, these materials have generated millions of views, though their actual influence remains unclear.

Content has depicted President Trump as aged, disconnected, and globally isolated. References include speculation about bruising visible on Trump’s right hand that sparked health concerns, divisions within Trump’s MAGA coalition, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s contentious confirmation proceedings.

“They’re using popular culture against the No. 1 pop culture country, the United States,” explained Nancy Snow, a propaganda scholar who has authored over a dozen books on the subject.

Among the Iranian-linked content circulating online are animations mimicking “Lego” movie aesthetics. One features an Iranian military leader rapping, “You thought you ran the globe, sitting on your throne. Now we turning every base into a bed of stone,” while Trump falls into a target constructed from “Epstein files,” referencing government investigation records of the disgraced financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The production quality and internet infrastructure required suggest government connections, according to Mahsa Alimardani, director of WITNESS, a human rights organization focused on AI video evidence.

“If you’re able to have the bandwidth needed to generate content like that and upload it, you are officially or unofficially cooperating with the regime,” she explained, noting Iran’s severe internet restrictions implemented during nationwide protest crackdowns earlier this year.

Iranian state media has republished several memes, including content from Akhbar Enfejari (meaning Explosive News), the account responsible for the “Lego”-style videos.

Akhbar Enfejari identifies as Iranians creating and distributing content from within Iran to challenge Western media dominance spanning decades.

“They’ve long dominated the media landscape and, through that power, imposed narratives on many nations,” the organization told The Associated Press via Telegram messaging. “But this time, something feels different. This time, we’ve disrupted the game. This time, we’re doing it better.”

Following the ceasefire announcement, Akhbar Enfejari posted: “IRAN WON! The way to crush imperialism has been shown to the world. Trump Surrendered.”

Beyond meme campaigns from pro-Iranian groups, official Iranian government social media accounts have also targeted the United States, including Wednesday’s post from Iran’s South African Embassy stating, “Say hello to the new world superpower,” accompanied by an Iranian flag image. Both nations claimed victory following ceasefire agreements.

Intelligence analysts attribute this sophisticated understanding of American politics and culture to Iran’s long-established propaganda infrastructure: decades of government programs designed to promote anti-American and anti-Israeli narratives.

“This meme war comes from institutions that are very aware what the American public is aware of and pop cultural references that can appeal to them,” Alimardani noted.

Experts indicate the United States and Israel aren’t conducting similar campaigns, and Iran’s internet restrictions would make reaching ordinary Iranian citizens extremely challenging.

Early in the conflict, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released an AI-generated video appearing to show him speaking Farsi, urging Iranians to overthrow their government. The White House maintains steady meme production, but targets American audiences using clips from domestic television shows and sporting events.

The government-operated Voice of America, which historically broadcast news to countries lacking free press traditions for decades, continues Farsi-language programming, though operating with minimal staff since Trump ordered its closure.

“This world order is really changing overnight and the U.S. is not going to end up necessarily as the state that everybody listens to,” Snow observed.

Citizens of the West African nation of Benin cast ballots Sunday in a presidential election as departing President Patrice Talon concludes his ten-year tenure, leaving behind a complex record of economic advancement alongside rising Islamic extremist threats and increased restrictions on political dissent.

Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni, 49, represents the ruling coalition and is viewed as Talon’s chosen heir. His sole challenger is opposition candidate Paul Hounkpè.

The opposition suffered a significant setback in January’s parliamentary elections, failing to reach the required 20% threshold for legislative seats. This left Talon’s two allied parties controlling all 109 National Assembly positions, strengthening their position ahead of Sunday’s presidential contest.

Opposition leader Renaud Agbodjo of The Democrats party was prevented from running after being unable to gather enough parliamentary endorsements—a requirement that critics argue was deliberately designed to exclude challengers.

With major opposition figures excluded from the race, Wadagni enjoys frontrunner status, largely due to his solid economic credentials and backing from influential leaders across traditionally competing factions, according to political analyst Fiacre Vidjingninou from the Lagos-based Béhanzin Institute.

“Ten years at the Finance Ministry have given him something rare in African politics: a quantified record — verifiable and difficult to dismantle in a serious debate,” Vidjingninou said.

The initial voting round takes place April 12. A candidate must capture at least 50% of votes for an outright win, otherwise the top two contenders will face each other in a May 10 runoff.

Close to 8 million citizens are registered to participate in the election.

Wadagni’s campaign emphasizes the nation’s economic achievements during his finance ministry leadership. The International Monetary Fund reports Benin’s economy expanded 7% in the previous year, positioning it among West Africa’s most consistent economic performers.

Throughout Talon’s presidency, the country maintained strong economic growth for almost ten years, fueled by agricultural production, commerce, and significant port development in the commercial center of Cotonou. This expansion transformed Benin into a crucial transportation hub for landlocked neighboring countries, while infrastructure development accelerated nationwide.

Despite these achievements, economic benefits have not been distributed evenly, with widespread poverty persisting in rural communities and the impoverished northern regions.

Although Benin has traditionally ranked among Africa’s most stable democratic nations, opposition politicians and human rights advocates have criticized Talon for weaponizing the judicial system against political rivals following his 2016 inauguration and subsequent electoral law modifications.

Constitutional changes approved in November lengthened presidential terms from five to seven years, created a partially presidentially-appointed senate, and imposed additional barriers preventing opposition parties from gaining parliamentary representation.

International human rights organizations Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have condemned Talon’s systematic suppression of dissent, documenting unlawful detentions, severe limitations on public gatherings, and increasing pressure on independent news organizations.

Recent years witnessed protests against increasing living costs, which government and security officials aggressively suppressed.

This past December, military officers launched an unsuccessful attempt to overthrow Talon’s administration, representing the most recent in a wave of military coup attempts across the African continent. These coups typically follow similar patterns involving contested elections, constitutional disruption, security breakdowns, and youth frustration.

The coup plotters specifically cited deteriorating security conditions in northern Benin as a primary grievance.

For several years, the country has experienced cross-border violence in its northern territory from conflicts in neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger, where governments battle the al-Qaeda-linked extremist organization Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, known as JNIM.

The three-nation border region has remained a center of extremist activity, a situation worsened by limited security coordination with Niger and Burkina Faso, both currently governed by military leadership.

Islamic militants killed 54 soldiers in an attack on military installations last year.

Vidjingninou observed that while the failed coup attempt has damaged the outgoing administration’s stability reputation, the unstable environment might actually benefit the ruling party’s candidate.

“In a context perceived as unstable, cautious voters tend to choose continuity and familiarity over the risk of the unknown,” he said.

Cotonou civil servant Roch Gbenou identified two primary concerns ahead of Sunday’s election: fair wealth distribution and restoration of democratic liberties, which “appear to have been substantially restricted” recently.

However, Gbenou expressed pessimism about the election, stating it “will ultimately only serve to legitimize a choice already made,” questioning the process’s credibility.

Retired police officer Mathias Salanon praised Talon’s performance and expressed hope that the incoming president would stabilize both economic and political conditions.

“In more than 50 years of my life I have not seen such a fierce will to develop the country as during President Patrice Talon’s 10 years,” he said.

For Cotonou resident Sofiath Akadiri, healthcare access, education, and employment opportunities represent the most critical campaign priorities.

“We also need social justice and the restoration of democratic norms,” she said.

Dozens of Russians gathered outside a government building in Moscow during a bright spring weekend, closely monitored by law enforcement as they submitted formal grievances about escalating digital restrictions.

Citizens were filing complaints regarding the government’s expanding internet controls, which have included regular cellular internet blackouts, blocked messaging applications, and restricted access to thousands of websites and online services.

The demonstration represented another indication of mounting frustration and anger over digital limitations that have disrupted Russian citizens’ everyday routines, damaged commercial operations, and attracted criticism from government allies.

Understanding that unsanctioned protests face severe punishment, advocacy groups have attempted to organize approved demonstrations, posted notices on public boards, and pursued legal action. Business executives have appealed to officials to reverse these policies.

Armenia’s leader even delivered an indirect criticism of Russia during a broadcast meeting with President Vladimir Putin on April 1. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan observed that in Armenia, “our social media, for example, is 100% free. There are no restrictions whatsoever.”

Putin responded with a stern expression and slightly elevated eyebrows as he stared at Pashinyan.

The restrictions serve not only to regulate Russians’ online access but have also created chaos in digital services, complicating ride-hailing, delivery orders, electronic payments, and personal communication.

Opposition politician and Kremlin opponent Boris Nadezhdin expressed the sentiment of many frustrated Russians during an Associated Press interview: “This infuriates a huge number of people.”

Russia has pursued complete governmental internet control for years, potentially isolating it from global networks by blocking countless websites, messaging platforms, and social media services that decline to comply with official demands.

Citizens have adapted to bypassing these limitations through virtual private networks, or VPNs, despite government efforts to block these tools as well.

However, restrictions intensified dramatically last year with comprehensive cellular internet shutdowns — and occasionally broadband interruptions — leaving only select websites and applications on government-approved “white lists.”

Authorities justified these extreme actions as necessary to prevent Ukrainian drones from using Russian cellular networks for navigation during Kyiv’s counterattacks in Moscow’s 4-year-old full-scale invasion.

Yet the shutdowns affected distant regions never targeted by Ukrainian drones, with residents and businesses condemning the measures as harmful.

The Kremlin has targeted the nation’s two leading messaging applications — WhatsApp and Telegram — while promoting a government-supported “national” application called MAX, widely regarded as a monitoring device.

Initially, voice and video communications on WhatsApp and Telegram were restricted. Subsequently, text messaging became virtually impossible without VPN access.

Last week, Digital and Communications Minister Maksut Shadayev announced his ministry received instructions to further reduce VPN usage. Unverified media reports indicated his ministry suggested numerous additional anti-VPN measures. The ministry did not respond to AP’s comment request.

Attorney Sarkis Darbinyan, co-founder of the RKS Global digital rights organization, explained to AP that authorities aim to force internet users into a “digital ghetto” of Russian, government-monitored applications and platforms.

“The internet is no longer this universal digital good,” he stated.

Recently, increasing numbers of Russian business leaders have expressed concerns about comprehensive restrictions and encouraged authorities toward more moderate policies.

Alexander Shokhin, president of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, informed Putin at a recent organizational forum that cellular internet shutdowns “made life difficult for both businesses and citizens.”

“Given the high level of mobile technology penetration in our lives, we hope that a systemic, balanced solution will be found,” stated Shokhin, a former 1990s government minister and United Russia party member since the 2000s.

Putin appeared onstage with Shokhin and spoke directly after him but avoided addressing the concern.

Similar appeals came from executives of two of Russia’s four cellular providers during a telecommunications conference last week. Beeline’s Sergei Anokhin and Megafon’s Khachatur Pombukhchan suggested that instead of cellular internet shutdowns, operators could identify suspicious users and restrict them individually, according to Russian news agency Interfax.

“This would make life significantly easier for people, for clients,” Pombukhchan stated.

Notable IT entrepreneur Natalya Kasperskaya criticized Roskomnadzor, attributing a recent banking and service outage to its intensified VPN blocking efforts.

“There’s no technical way to block VPNs without disrupting the entire internet,” she posted on Telegram. “So, comrades, take screenshots of interesting websites, withdraw as much cash as possible, and get ready to listen to radio reports about foreign enemies who have blocked our once-beloved RuNet,” — referencing the Russian internet.

Roskomnadzor denied responsibility, and Kasperskaya later issued an apology in another post, but she advocated for communication between authorities and the IT industry, emphasizing that “technical decisions sometimes cause downright shock and a desire to at least get an explanation.”

Activists from Moscow to Far East Vladivostok have attempted organizing anti-internet restriction rallies since late February.

Recognizing that unauthorized protests face harsh suppression and government opponents routinely face imprisonment, they proceeded carefully and requested authorization for gatherings according to strict demonstration regulations. Most applications were denied, and some activists faced arrest on various accusations.

However, citizens managed small demonstrations in several cities. Elsewhere, activists posted flyers and banners on walls and public boards condemning the restrictions.

Opposition politician Nadezhdin, his supporters, and other activist organizations have requested permission for rallies in dozens of cities on April 12, when Russia celebrates Cosmonautics Day, commemorating Yuri Gagarin’s 1961 flight as the first human in space.

“We’re filing for authorization (and saying) we’re marking Cosmonautics Day,” Nadezhdin says with a knowing smile. “Our slogans will be (about the fact that) cosmonautics is impossible without science, technology and progress, and progress, science and technology development is impossible without connectivity, without communication, without the internet.”

Nadezhdin says he remains committed to increasing pressure on authorities despite the crackdown. Public frustration over restrictions is “enormous,” and citizens are prepared to participate in authorized and secure protests, he added.

Moscow-based opposition politician Yulia Galyamina shared his perspective in a video recorded last weekend near the presidential administration, where she and others submitted formal complaints, describing the discontent as “truly widespread.”

“The more there is public outcry over the blocking of the internet, Telegram in particular, and depriving us of the possibility to communicate with each other, interact, express our political position, the bigger the effect will be,” she stated.

LIMA, Peru — Peru’s voters head to the polls Sunday facing an unprecedented choice among 35 presidential candidates, including a former government official, an entertainer, and the daughter of a deceased former president, as the South American nation seeks its ninth leader in just one decade.

The historic election unfolds against a backdrop of escalating violent crime and corruption scandals that have left citizens deeply frustrated with their political system. Voters express little confidence in the candidates’ honesty or readiness to lead the country. The crime crisis has prompted many hopefuls to offer dramatic solutions, from constructing massive prison facilities to limiting inmates’ meals and bringing back capital punishment for severe offenses.

Construction worker Juan Gómez, 53, expressed the despair many feel while carrying groceries to feed his family of five children. “You can’t trust anyone anymore, nothing’s going to change,” he said. “(Criminals) come on motorcycles, put a gun to your head… you look around and there’s no police officer. What are you going to do? You just let them rob you.”

Over 27 million Peruvians between ages 18 and 70 are required to participate in the mandatory voting process, with approximately 1.2 million expected to vote from overseas, primarily from the United States and Argentina.

Given the fractured political landscape and enormous candidate field, no contender is expected to secure the necessary 50% majority for an outright victory, making a June runoff election almost certain.

The crime epidemic dominates public concerns and has sparked regular demonstrations across the country. Government statistics show homicides have doubled while extortion incidents have multiplied by five during the current decade.

Retiree Raúl Zevallos, 63, described the daily fear residents experience. “You get on the bus, and you have to sit far from the driver; you don’t know if you’ll make it home alive,” he explained. “Criminals drive by on motorcycles, shoot, kill the driver, and you could die, too.”

The violence claimed the lives of more than 200 public transportation operators in Peru during 2025. A government survey conducted by the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics revealed that 84% of urban residents fear becoming crime victims within the next year.

Among the 35 contenders is conservative politician Keiko Fujimori, a former legislative member and daughter of the late President Alberto Fujimori, making her fourth bid for the presidency.

Fujimori campaigns on tough anti-crime measures while simultaneously supporting legislation that legal experts argue hampers criminal prosecutions. Her political party has backed laws in recent years that eliminated pre-trial detention in specific situations and increased requirements for confiscating criminal proceeds.

Her proposed reforms include anonymous judges for criminal proceedings and requiring prisoners to work for their meals if she wins the presidency.

Another major candidate is Rafael López Aliaga, a conservative politician who previously served as Lima’s mayor. His platform includes establishing correctional facilities in Peru’s Amazon territory, permitting judges to hide their identities, and deporting foreign nationals residing illegally in the country.

Comedian-turned-politician Carlos Álvarez seeks voter support by pledging to bring together leaders from El Salvador, Denmark, and Singapore to share their security expertise with Peru.

This election also marks Peru’s return to a two-chamber legislative system for the first time in over three decades, following recent constitutional changes that will place significant authority in the new upper house. Unlike previous arrangements, the president cannot dissolve the Senate, though senators will possess the power to remove presidents from office.

The new bicameral structure actually makes presidential impeachment simpler, requiring only 40 of 60 senators for approval. The previous single-chamber system needed 87 of 130 lawmakers to vote for removal, a power they used repeatedly and contributed to the country’s presidential instability over the past ten years.

This legislative change proceeds despite 80% of voters rejecting the bicameral system in a 2018 public referendum. Lawmakers modified the Constitution in 2024 to enable the transition.

Alejandro Boyco, who studies politics at the Institute of Peruvian Studies, explained that senators will select and oversee senior government officials, including the national Ombudsman, Constitutional Court justices, and certain Central Bank leadership positions. The upper chamber will also examine and modify legislation from the lower house.

“They’ve concentrated too much power in a 60-people chamber,” Boyco observed. “They are not going to be immune to being corrupt.”

A diplomatic team from Iran is set to arrive in Pakistan’s capital city Thursday evening for discussions aimed at resolving ongoing tensions with the United States and Israel, according to Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan.

Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam announced the planned diplomatic mission in a social media post Thursday, stating the delegation would engage in substantive discussions.

“Despite skepticism of Iranian public opinion due to repeated ceasefire violations by Israeli regime … Iranian delegation arrives tonight in Islamabad for serious talks based on 10 points proposed by Iran,” Moghadam wrote on the social media platform X.

The diplomatic initiative comes as regional tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East, with Iran seeking to address conflicts through negotiations in Pakistan’s capital.

NEW DELHI (AP) — Polling commenced Thursday across India’s Assam and Kerala states, along with the federal territory of Puducherry, marking the beginning of crucial regional elections that will gauge Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s political influence beyond his party’s traditional base.

These contests feature Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party and its regional partners competing against various opposition groups. Currently, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance controls Assam and Puducherry, while opposition forces govern Kerala.

Voting will extend to two additional opposition-controlled regions, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, before the month concludes. Official results across all five areas are scheduled for release on May 4.

The electoral process unfolds as citizens grapple with escalating fuel prices and reduced availability of cooking gas stemming from ongoing Middle Eastern conflicts.

These results may reveal whether Modi’s political organization can expand its influence by penetrating territories where opposition parties have historically held sway. Strong performance would strengthen his federal administration, particularly after the 2024 national elections required his party to depend on regional partnerships for government formation.

For opposition movements nationwide, these elections represent a vital opportunity to establish sustained resistance against BJP control.

In Assam, located in India’s northeast region, the BJP campaigns for re-election by promoting strict immigration policies, addressing a divisive topic in this state that shares borders with Bangladesh. The ruling party’s messaging centers on preventing illegal entry by Bengali-speaking Muslim populations.

Kerala state in southern India offers distinct challenges, where governance has historically shifted between coalitions led by the Indian National Congress and communist organizations. Modi’s party faces difficulties establishing influence there despite significant investment in regional expansion efforts.

Within Puducherry, the small federal territory, the BJP depends on partnership with local political groups to maintain its governing position.

West Bengal represents the most closely monitored and controversial upcoming contest, where the regional Trinamool Congress party has maintained control through three successive terms. Modi’s organization has never held power in West Bengal, and disputes over voter registration procedures have heightened political friction.

Opposition groups claim that election officials’ Special Intensive Revision process has prevented millions of citizens, particularly Muslim minorities, from participating in voting. India’s Election Commission has rejected these accusations, stating the review removed deceased, duplicate, and fraudulent voter registrations.

Comparable registration reviews have occurred in multiple states throughout the country.

Iranian state-affiliated media outlets released information Thursday indicating that the nation’s Revolutionary Guard forces deployed naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing hostilities, appearing to be a strategic move to apply pressure during a fragile two-week truce between Iran, Israel and the United States that precedes potential talks in Islamabad.

In a rare display of forceful criticism, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued an “unequivocal” condemnation of Israeli military operations in Lebanon that resulted in hundreds of casualties Wednesday following the ceasefire announcement, his spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric confirmed.

Israeli officials maintain that their ceasefire deal does not cover their ongoing conflict in Lebanon against Hezbollah, the militant organization backed by Iran, though both Iran and mediating nation Pakistan assert it should. Warning sirens echoed across northern Israel early Thursday as Hezbollah announced rocket attacks on the region.

Iran responded to Israeli military actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon by shutting down the Strait of Hormuz once again on Wednesday.

President Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social platform Thursday, declaring that American naval forces and military personnel will stay positioned near Iran “until such time as the REAL AGREEMENT reached is fully complied with.”

Trump’s social media remarks seem designed to maintain pressure on Iran while questions surround the temporary two-week halt in fighting currently in effect.

“If for any reason it is not, which is highly unlikely, then the ‘Shootin’ Starts,’ bigger, and better, and stronger than anyone has ever seen before,” Trump wrote.

The president also emphasized that Iran would be prevented from developing nuclear capabilities and declared that “the Strait of Hormuz WILL BE OPEN & SAFE.” His statement comes while maritime traffic remains halted through the strategic waterway that serves as the narrow entrance to the Persian Gulf, previously handling 20% of global oil and natural gas shipments.

A New York-based research organization has issued a warning that the temporary halt in the Iran conflict “hovers on the verge of collapse.”

The Soufan Center indicated that Wednesday’s Israeli military operations in Lebanon could cause the agreement to unravel.

“Even if Lebanon was formally outside the deal, the scale of Israel’s strikes was likely to be viewed as escalatory, nonetheless,” the organization stated in Thursday’s analysis.

“Israel’s strikes can be understood both as an effort to drive a wedge between Iran and its proxies and as a response to being allegedly sidelined in the original ceasefire discussions.”

The Al-Aqsa Mosque complex welcomed worshippers for dawn prayers Thursday after remaining shuttered throughout the Iran conflict, according to Jerusalem’s Islamic Waqf, the Jordanian religious body overseeing the site.

Jerusalem police announced Wednesday that access limitations would be removed from all religious sites in the Old City beginning Thursday morning, with hundreds of officers and volunteers deployed throughout the area.

During the now-suspended fighting, entry to Christian, Jewish and Muslim holy places was either completely banned or limited to small groups of worshippers, as Iranian missile strikes frequently forced Jerusalem residents to seek shelter.

These limitations dampened Lent, Passover and Ramadan observances for many believers at some of the most sacred locations for Christianity, Islam and Judaism.

However, the timing allows Orthodox Christians to celebrate Easter (Pascha) on Sunday, one week following Catholic and Protestant commemorations.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iranian media outlets released navigation charts on Thursday indicating that the nation’s Revolutionary Guard forces may have deployed underwater mines in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz during recent military operations.

The information appeared in reports from ISNA, a semiofficial Iranian news service, along with Tasnim, another news agency that maintains close ties with the Revolutionary Guard organization.

According to the published chart, a large area was designated as a “danger zone” written in the Farsi language, positioned directly over the Traffic Separation Scheme — the primary shipping corridor vessels typically use when navigating through the strait. This marked area reportedly indicates where the Guard forces placed the explosive devices.

The chart recommended that maritime traffic should instead travel through northern waters closer to Iran’s coastline near Larak Island, an alternative path that maritime observers noted some vessels adopted during the conflict period.

The timeframe indicated on the navigation chart spanned from February 28 through Thursday, April 9.

Whether the Revolutionary Guard has removed the alleged mines from the shipping route remains unknown. Military analysts suggest this disclosure may represent a strategic pressure move as Iran, Israel and the United States currently maintain a fragile two-week ceasefire while preparing for potential diplomatic talks in Islamabad.

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The Australian government has committed to supporting two major fuel companies in purchasing petroleum products at elevated costs, as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese cautioned Thursday that supply shortages will persist long-term regardless of whether the Iran ceasefire remains in effect.

Albanese announced that his administration has reached agreements with the nation’s top fuel suppliers, Ampol and Viva Energy, to guarantee contracts for gasoline and diesel purchased on spot markets at rates exceeding standard commercial prices.

Under these arrangements, the government will also maintain authority over fuel distribution strategies, prioritizing rural communities and agricultural regions where service stations have experienced shortages in recent weeks, according to Albanese.

“This will have a long tail, which is why after this we will travel to Singapore,” Albanese told reporters at an Ampol refinery in Australian city of Brisbane.

“I’m looking forward to a constructive meeting with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong tomorrow,” Albanese said.

“We don’t preempt one-on-one meetings at leaders’ levels, but the fact that we’re being welcomed at relatively short notice to Singapore speaks about the strength of the relationship,” he added.

Singapore officials indicated that Albanese’s upcoming visit represents part of ongoing regional efforts to maintain fuel supply chains by enhancing Australia’s energy access, according to a government statement from Singapore.

The two nations maintain significant energy trade relationships, with Australia serving as Singapore’s second-biggest liquefied natural gas provider while Singapore ranks as Australia’s primary source of refined petroleum products.

“This visit follows Australia and Singapore’s joint commitment to keep fuel flowing between both countries and to work together to strengthen energy supply chain resilience,” Singapore said.

The Prime Minister emphasized his administration’s rapid response to boost the country’s fuel availability.

Albanese characterized this week’s announcement regarding a two-week Middle East ceasefire as a positive development.

“If the ceasefire holds, that doesn’t mean that the world global capacity comes online in a week or a month. It will take as considerable period of time. This will have a long tail. That is very, very clear,” Albanese said.

A major international commodities trading company has booked a massive oil tanker for Middle Eastern crude transport to Asia, representing what industry sources believe is the first such arrangement since the recent U.S.-Iran ceasefire agreement.

Glencore secured the Asian Lion, a massive vessel known as a very large crude carrier that can transport up to 2 million barrels of oil, according to shipping industry sources and LSEG tracking data. The supertanker is currently en route to the Middle East region.

The trading giant agreed to pay W580 using the Worldscale industry standard for calculating shipping costs, sources revealed. This represents a significant increase from the W230 rate recorded on February 27, just before the conflict began. Additionally, the daily waiting fee stands at $580,000, which covers costs if the vessel takes longer than expected to complete loading and unloading operations.

Company representatives from Glencore were not immediately available to provide comment regarding the vessel arrangement.

Despite the ceasefire announcement, shipping industry officials expressed Wednesday that they require additional clarification about the agreement’s specific terms before resuming regular passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian authorities have maintained that the strategic waterway continues to be restricted to vessels operating without proper authorization.

Iranian officials indicated they would provide secure transit coordination through their military forces, though the country’s coastguard issued stern warnings Wednesday that unauthorized vessels would face being “targeted and destroyed.”

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards naval division released navigational charts showing recommended shipping lanes within the Strait of Hormuz designed to help vessels avoid underwater explosive devices, according to reports from the semi-official Iranian news agency ISNA early Thursday.

The six-week military confrontation virtually halted maritime traffic through the strategic waterway, which serves as a critical passage for approximately 20% of worldwide oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, causing global energy costs to surge dramatically.

A federal appeals court issued a decision Wednesday reversing the criminal conviction of Juan Orlando Hernandez, the former president of Honduras, and directed a lower court to dismiss all charges against him.

The appellate court’s ruling marks a significant legal victory for Hernandez, who had been facing criminal charges in the United States justice system.

Vietnamese President To Lam is scheduled to make his inaugural international journey as the country’s leader next week, traveling to China for a four-day diplomatic mission from April 14 through 17.

China’s official news agency Xinhua confirmed the upcoming visit on Thursday, validating earlier reports about the planned trip by Vietnam’s state president and Communist Party chief to the nation’s most influential neighbor.

This marks Lam’s first foreign travel since assuming the role of state president, and sources indicate he is expected to hold discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his stay.

The visit underscores the importance of the relationship between Vietnam and China, which serves as Vietnam’s largest trading partner and carries significant weight in both economic and geopolitical matters for the Southeast Asian nation.

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez delivered a plea for patience to the nation’s workforce on Wednesday, acknowledging that current salaries fall far short of covering basic living expenses while her administration tackles the country’s struggling economy.

During a televised speech broadcast nationwide, Rodríguez announced plans for a salary boost beginning May 1. While she kept the specific amount under wraps, she emphasized the increase would be implemented carefully to prevent the surge in prices that occurred after the previous minimum wage adjustment.

“This increase, as we have indicated, will be a responsible increase,” Rodríguez said. “Likewise in the near future, as Venezuela enjoys more resources that allow for the sustainability of salary improvements and workers’ income, we will continue moving forward on this path.”

Government employees currently struggle to get by on approximately $160 monthly, while those in private companies earned an average of $237 last year. The nation’s minimum wage stands at 130 bolivars, equivalent to just $0.27, and hasn’t been adjusted since 2022. This amount falls dramatically short of the United Nations’ extreme poverty threshold of $3 daily.

According to International Monetary Fund data, Venezuela faces a crushing inflation rate of 682%, marking the highest figure among all tracked nations. The country’s central bank recently published inflation statistics for the first time since November 2024, revealing the annual rate jumped to 475% in 2025 from the previous year’s 48%.

These economic pressures have pushed food costs beyond the reach of many families.

Rodríguez’s nationwide address occurred just one day ahead of planned worker demonstrations in the capital city of Caracas, where employees plan to march demanding higher wages. She emphasized to viewers that economic recovery takes time and urged both workers and business owners across all sectors to collaborate with her administration “to begin a sustained recovery and maintain this path of growth.”

“It must be done with prudence, with awareness, with patience, but with a profound spirit of optimism about what the future holds for Venezuela,” Rodríguez said.

Two neighboring nations have pledged to pursue diplomatic solutions rather than military action following deadly border clashes that claimed hundreds of lives, according to Chinese officials who facilitated peace negotiations.

Representatives from Afghanistan and Pakistan concluded a week of discussions in Urumqi, a city in western China, where they committed to avoiding further military escalation while working toward long-term peace, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning announced during Wednesday’s briefing in Beijing.

“The three parties agreed to explore a comprehensive solution to the issues in the relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan, and clarified the core and priority issues that need to be addressed,” Mao stated during her daily press conference.

According to the Chinese spokesperson, all participants recognized that “terrorism is the core issue affecting the relationship” between the two countries.

The warring nations promised they won’t “take actions that would escalate or complicate the situation,” officials said.

While Pakistani authorities remained silent about the diplomatic discussions, Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi confirmed the completion of the China-hosted negotiations on Wednesday.

Writing on social media platform X, Balkhi described the sessions as taking place in a “constructive atmosphere,” covering topics including diplomatic ties, security concerns and regional peace. He expressed gratitude to Beijing for facilitating the discussions and voiced optimism that the diplomatic process would enhance trust and cooperation throughout the region.

Chinese officials initiated the peace talks last week following the outbreak of hostilities between the neighboring countries in February.

Pakistan had declared itself in “open war” with Afghanistan and conducted aerial bombardments on Afghan territory, including strikes in the capital city of Kabul.

On Tuesday, Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry characterized the negotiations as productive.

The United Nations humanitarian coordination office reported Tuesday that the military confrontation has forced 94,000 residents to flee their homes, while an additional 100,000 civilians in two Afghan border districts have been completely isolated by the fighting since February.

Despite the ongoing diplomatic efforts, Afghan officials have repeatedly accused Pakistan of conducting artillery attacks across the international boundary during the peace talks.

Pakistani authorities claim Afghanistan provides sanctuary to extremist groups responsible for deadly attacks on Pakistani soil, particularly the Pakistani Taliban organization known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP. This militant group maintains separate operations from but shares allegiances with the Afghan Taliban, which assumed control of Afghanistan in 2021 after American-led forces withdrew. Afghan leadership rejects these allegations.

A Republican U.S. Senator traveled to Taiwan this week with a clear message for the island’s government: approve the massive defense spending package that’s been stuck in legislative limbo.

Senator Jim Banks, who serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee, met with Taiwan President Lai Ching-te on Wednesday in Taipei, where he pressed for action on a $40 billion military spending proposal that has faced opposition in Taiwan’s parliament.

The defense budget was introduced by President Lai last year as Taiwan seeks to strengthen its military capabilities amid ongoing tensions with China, which considers the democratic island part of its territory.

During their meeting, Banks praised Lai’s approach to military spending, comparing it to President Donald Trump’s proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget for the United States.

“But your Legislative Yuan has to do its part and pass the special budget, and that’s one message that I want to send to your leadership,” Banks stated, referring to Taiwan’s parliament by its official name.

The Indiana senator emphasized the broader implications of Taiwan’s decision, telling Lai: “When you pass the special budget in the legislature, that is a signal to China, and to the rest of the world, that Taiwan is serious about peace through strength. I appreciate President Lai’s leadership in making that happen.”

The spending proposal remains gridlocked in Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan, where opposition parties hold a majority and continue debating the government’s plan alongside alternative, lower-cost proposals.

Banks wasn’t the first American lawmaker to deliver this message recently. Another delegation of U.S. representatives visited Taipei last week with similar appeals for the defense budget’s passage.

The political dynamics surrounding the issue are complex. Cheng Li-wun, who leads Taiwan’s main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), is currently visiting mainland China and may meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The KMT has stated it supports military spending but won’t approve what it calls blank checks, arguing that diplomatic dialogue with Beijing is equally crucial.

Relations between Taiwan and China remain tense under President Lai’s leadership. Beijing refuses diplomatic contact with Lai, labeling him a separatist. Lai has rejected China’s claims over Taiwan, maintaining that only the Taiwanese people should determine their island’s future.

Senator Banks was among 37 lawmakers from both parties who wrote to Taiwanese political leaders in February, expressing concerns about the delayed defense spending legislation.

Workers, union representatives, and opposition members filled the streets of Dakar, Senegal on Wednesday, voicing anger over what they describe as unfulfilled government commitments and escalating living expenses amid the nation’s serious debt problems.

The demonstration was coordinated by Senegal’s primary labor organizations alongside an opposition group called the Front for the Defense of Democracy and the Republic (FDR).

According to Mody Guiro, who leads the National Confederation of Senegalese Workers – the nation’s biggest labor organization – officials had violated an agreement from the previous year that halted work stoppages in return for commitments to improve pay and workplace conditions. Government officials point to an unprecedented debt emergency left by the former administration as limiting available funds.

Demonstrators donned red scarves and union headwear while carrying signs calling for the reinstatement of dismissed government employees and reduced income taxation. Some voiced demands for Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s removal from office.

The current administration in this West African nation, headed by Sonko and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, assumed control in April 2024 with pledges to implement sweeping changes, including anti-corruption efforts, youth employment initiatives, and better utilization of the country’s natural resources.

However, the PASTEF party’s transformation plans have encountered significant hurdles. A government review conducted in 2025 uncovered debt totaling $13 billion – higher than previously disclosed – left behind by the prior government. Discussions with the International Monetary Fund regarding new financial assistance have reached an impasse as the country’s budget situation deteriorates.

The nation’s debt compared to its economic output has climbed to approximately 132%, ranking among Africa’s most severe.

These financial challenges have intensified everyday hardships for citizens, particularly affecting young people who represent about 75% of the population under age 35.

In February of last year, demonstrations at the country’s premier public university regarding unpaid student assistance resulted in aggressive action by law enforcement, causing one student’s death.

“The nation has come to a halt. The government must find ways to restart Senegal’s economy rather than creating conflicts at every turn,” stated Mohamed Fall, a young activist participating in Wednesday’s demonstration.

Pape Laobe Samb, another demonstrator, represents one of over 700 Dakar port employees who lost their jobs since early 2025 as the government restructures state organizations.

“This isn’t what they told voters they would do. They claimed they would generate employment and advance the nation, but they’ve done exactly the reverse,” Samb explained to reporters after working at the port for more than twelve years before his dismissal.

The port’s administrator, selected shortly after President Faye took office, has characterized these actions as eliminating questionable contracts from the previous government. Union representatives dispute this explanation, contending that dismissed workers were primarily those connected to the former administration and that the terminations violated legal procedures.

North Korea announced Thursday that its recent weapons testing included ballistic missiles equipped with cluster bomb warheads, marking another escalation in the country’s military capabilities targeting South Korea.

The announcement from North Korean state media followed South Korea’s detection of multiple missile launches from the North’s eastern coast on Wednesday, marking the second day of weapons testing this week.

According to the Korean Central News Agency, the weapons demonstrations spanned three days beginning Monday and featured anti-aircraft systems, alleged electromagnetic warfare equipment, and carbon-fiber explosives.

South Korean military officials reported that Wednesday’s missiles traveled between 240 and 700 kilometers (150 to 434 miles) before splashing down in the ocean. They also tracked at least one projectile fired Tuesday from near Pyongyang, North Korea’s capital.

Japanese defense officials confirmed that none of Wednesday’s weapons landed in Japan’s exclusive economic waters, while U.S. military representatives stated the Tuesday and Wednesday launches presented no direct danger to America or its regional partners.

The state news agency detailed tests of cluster munition systems mounted on Hwasong-11 ballistic missiles, which mirror Russia’s Iskander design with low-altitude, evasive flight patterns to bypass defense systems. According to the report, these short-range missiles with cluster warheads “can reduce to ashes any target covering an area of 6.5-7 hectares (16 to 17.2 acres) with the highest-density power.”

South Korean military officials have not yet responded to North Korea’s weapons claims.

The missile tests highlight ongoing hostilities between the neighboring countries, dampening South Korean expectations for improved diplomatic relations.

Jang Kum Chol, a senior official at North Korea’s Foreign Ministry, declared Tuesday evening that South Korea would forever remain the North’s “most hostile enemy state” and ridiculed Seoul’s current government for attempting to restart stalled negotiations, labeling its leaders “world-startling fools.”

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has halted nearly all diplomatic engagement with Seoul and Washington following the breakdown of his nuclear negotiations with President Donald Trump in 2019. Since then, he has fast-tracked development of nuclear-armed missiles capable of reaching U.S. territories and allies across Asia.

Kim has also strengthened relationships with Russia, China, and other nations in conflict with the United States as he seeks to end international isolation and boost his regional influence. North Korean media reports that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is scheduled to arrive Thursday for a two-day visit as part of ongoing diplomatic cooperation between the two countries.

PORT-AU-PRINCE – Haiti’s electoral authority announced Wednesday that it is delaying voter registration that was scheduled to commence on April 1st, stating that new registration dates will be revealed soon for what would be the Caribbean nation’s first presidential election in ten years.

The electoral council, known as CEP, had originally set August 30th as the date for the initial round of presidential voting in the region’s most populated Caribbean country.

But ongoing security deterioration throughout the nation has displaced more than 1.4 million residents – representing approximately 12% of Haiti’s total population – raising serious questions about whether authorities can conduct a legitimate and fair electoral process.

Acting President Delcy Rodriguez of Venezuela announced Wednesday that her administration plans to implement a wage increase for workers beginning May 1, describing it as a “responsible increase” to worker compensation.

Rodriguez did not specify the exact amount of the planned wage adjustment during her announcement.

Currently, Venezuela’s minimum wage stands at 130 bolivares monthly, a rate that has remained unchanged since March 2022 and equals only a few cents in U.S. currency. However, many government workers receive additional compensation through bonuses and supplemental payments that can bring their total monthly earnings to approximately $150.

“Our immediate, medium-term and long-term goal is to steadily and gradually restore workers’ incomes through productive growth in both the hydrocarbons and mining sectors, which generate immediate revenue once production recovery takes place,” Rodriguez stated during her televised announcement on state television.

The acting president emphasized that the wage adjustment would consider potential inflationary effects and indicated that Venezuela would continue progressing in this direction as additional resources become available to the country.

During her address, Rodriguez also renewed calls for the United States to lift economic sanctions imposed on the South American nation.

Relations between the two countries have improved following the U.S. capture of President Nicolas Maduro during a raid in Caracas earlier this year. The Trump administration has since been collaborating with Rodriguez and exploring opportunities to expand American involvement in Venezuela’s petroleum and mining industries.

Rodriguez, who has backed recent legislative efforts to encourage increased private and foreign investment in both sectors, announced plans to establish a commission that will identify which assets the state considers strategically important. She warned that those hoping for the privatization of PDVSA, the state-owned oil company, would be disappointed.

The United Nations announced Wednesday that humanitarian workers worldwide are facing unprecedented dangers, with more than 1,000 killed in the last three years—a figure that represents almost three times the fatalities recorded in the prior three-year span.

Tom Fletcher, the UN’s top humanitarian official, addressed the Security Council with stark language about the crisis. “This is not an accidental escalation — it is the collapse of protection,” Fletcher stated.

The statistics Fletcher presented show that of the 1,010-plus humanitarian workers who lost their lives between 2023 and 2025, the Gaza Strip and West Bank accounted for more than 560 deaths. Sudan saw 130 fatalities, South Sudan recorded 60, while Ukraine and Congo each had 25 deaths. These numbers stand in sharp contrast to the 377 deaths documented from 2020 through 2022.

The dramatic increase in casualties coincided with the conflict that erupted between Israel and Hamas in October 2023. While a ceasefire took effect in October 2025, violence including shootings and airstrikes has continued.

Fletcher reported that 2024 marked a particularly deadly year, with 383 aid workers killed across global conflict zones as they provided essential services like food distribution, water access, shelter, and medical care. The previous year, 2023, saw at least 326 aid workers killed across 21 nations.

“They died in clearly marked convoys and on missions coordinated directly with authorities,” the undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs explained.

The Security Council convened to review a resolution passed in May 2024 that condemned attacks on humanitarian personnel and UN staff, while demanding that all fighting forces protect these workers under international law.

Fletcher posed challenging questions to the 15-member council, asking whether the killings occurred because international law “is no longer convenient” or because “it is more important to protect those designing, selling, supplying and firing lethal weapons?”

“Or is it because member states see these numbers as collateral damage, part of the fog of war? Or worse, are we now seen as legitimate targets?” he continued. “Perhaps the most chilling question: If these deaths were ‘preventable’, why then were they not prevented?”

Beyond the killings, Fletcher described how humanitarian personnel face additional challenges, being “restricted, penalized and delegitimized” while being told which areas they cannot access and which populations they cannot assist.

Fletcher cited Yemen as a stark example, where Houthi rebels are holding 73 UN staff members and numerous NGO workers in arbitrary detention.

Other restrictions include Afghanistan’s prohibition on female humanitarian workers, Israel’s limitations on UN and international organizations operating in Gaza, and drone attacks in Ukraine that have forced aid workers to retreat from frontline areas.

“These trends, alongside the collapse in funding for our lifesaving work, are a symptom of a lawless, bellicose, selfish and violent world,” Fletcher declared.

He urged the UN’s 193 member countries to honor the 2024 resolution’s requirements to safeguard humanitarian workers and hold accountable those who commit crimes against them.

French President Emmanuel Macron reached out to both Iranian and American leadership Wednesday, pressing them to extend their newly established ceasefire to encompass Lebanon and other conflict zones while Israeli bombardments persist in Beirut.

Washington and Tehran established a two-week suspension of hostilities on Tuesday, yet Israel launched its most devastating assault on Lebanon Wednesday, resulting in over 250 deaths since hostilities with Hezbollah escalated last month.

While American and Israeli officials have stated that Lebanon falls outside the scope of the Iranian ceasefire arrangement, Pakistan, which served as a crucial mediator during negotiations, indicated the pause in fighting would encompass Beirut.

Sources close to Iran’s diplomatic stance reveal that Tehran has communicated through intermediaries that any ceasefire framework with America and Israel must encompass Lebanon.

During his conversations with Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian and U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday, Macron emphasized that bringing Lebanon into the agreement represents “a necessary condition for the ceasefire to be credible and lasting.”

The French leader stressed that any comprehensive agreement between these nations must tackle issues surrounding Iran’s nuclear weapons development, ballistic missile capabilities, regional interference, and efforts to disrupt shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz.

Macron additionally contacted Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, denouncing Israel’s “indiscriminate strikes” as a danger to maintaining any sustainable ceasefire arrangement.

“I reiterated the need to preserve Lebanon’s territorial integrity and France’s determination to support the efforts of the Lebanese authorities to uphold the country’s sovereignty and implement the Hezbollah disarmament plan,” Macron stated.

A dramatic diplomatic breakthrough occurred when Pakistan successfully facilitated a two-week ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, averting potential military action just hours before President Donald Trump’s strike deadline was set to expire. The temporary truce has opened a crucial diplomatic window following weeks of escalating tensions and concerns about a broader regional conflict.

Pakistan has swiftly positioned itself at the center of ongoing negotiations. As part of the agreement, Tehran has also consented to temporarily reopen the Strait of Hormuz, ensuring safe passage for shipping through this critical waterway that is essential to global energy markets. Pakistani leadership has framed this truce as an opportunity to transition from crisis management to substantive negotiations addressing sanctions, uranium enrichment, regional security, and future conflict resolution.

Demonstrating the high stakes of this diplomatic opening, President Trump is sending a senior delegation to Islamabad for the talks, headed by Vice President JD Vance and including special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

On Wednesday, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the United States and Iran, along with their respective allies, had reached an agreement for an immediate ceasefire across multiple conflict zones. In an early morning social media post, Sharif welcomed this development and expressed his “deepest gratitude” to leadership in both Washington and Tehran for what he characterized as a vital step toward regional stability.

Sharif has also extended invitations to both sides to send delegations for high-level discussions in Islamabad on April 10 to secure a more comprehensive settlement. Iran has confirmed its participation. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Sharif conducted a 45-minute phone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday afternoon.

Pezeshkian expressed appreciation to the prime minister, commended Pakistan’s efforts in establishing a temporary ceasefire, and confirmed Iran’s participation in the upcoming Islamabad talks. Various media sources, citing Iran’s Islamic State News Agency, have reported that Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf is expected to lead Tehran’s delegation for Friday’s negotiations.

Despite the pause in fighting, Iran’s negotiating stance indicates that Tehran is pursuing much more than just a brief halt to hostilities. Presented through Pakistani intermediaries on April 6, 2026, shortly before the breakthrough, Tehran’s 10-point framework outlines the terms it seeks for a broader, more lasting settlement with the United States and Israel.

Iran’s demands encompass military, nuclear, economic, and regional issues:

1. A firm commitment from the United States and Israel not to attack Iran in the future.

2. Continued Iranian sovereignty and control over the Strait of Hormuz.

3. Recognition of Iran’s right to pursue uranium enrichment for peaceful purposes.

4. Lifting of all primary US sanctions imposed on Iran.

5. Removal of all secondary sanctions targeting foreign companies and countries doing business with Iran.

6. Termination of all United Nations Security Council resolutions against Iran.

7. Ending all International Atomic Energy Agency resolutions related to Iran’s nuclear program.

8. A halt to attacks on Iran and its regional allies, including in Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen.

9. Compensation or reconstruction support for damage caused during the conflict.

10. Broader regional de-escalation, including safe navigation arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz, possible transit mechanisms, elements of US military withdrawal from the region, and a framework for long-term peace and security guarantees.

These demands demonstrate that the Islamabad talks extend far beyond simply maintaining the ceasefire. They will also examine whether Washington and Tehran can begin to bridge differences over sanctions relief, recognition of peaceful uranium enrichment, control over the Strait of Hormuz, and broader security guarantees.

The American president characterized the proposal as “a workable basis on which to negotiate,” helping to pave the way for the temporary ceasefire. Confirming the pause on his official social media account, President Trump wrote: “Based on conversations with Prime Minister Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir of Pakistan, and wherein they requested that I hold off the destructive force being sent tonight to Iran, and subject to the Islamic Republic of Iran agreeing to the complete, immediate, and safe opening of the Strait of Hormuz, I agree to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks.”

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated in a social media post that “for a period of two weeks, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be possible via coordination with Iran’s Armed Forces and with due consideration of technical limitations.” Israel announced on Wednesday that it supports the US president’s decision to suspend airstrikes on Iran but clarified that the ceasefire does not include Lebanon.

Pakistani officials and regional diplomats have described Islamabad as the primary intermediary once direct communication between Washington and Tehran broke down. They indicated that Pakistan helped shape the agreement while collaborating with Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and other regional actors.

Egypt supported this effort through direct engagement with both sides. Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty conducted high-level calls with US special envoy Witkoff and Iranian officials. Cairo also collaborated with Ankara and Islamabad on earlier proposals, including a 45-day pause tied to Gulf security concerns and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Turkey also worked to strengthen the communication channel Pakistan was helping to maintain. Under Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Ankara conducted quiet shuttle diplomacy, utilizing its relationships with both Washington and Tehran to encourage restraint, test compromise language on sanctions and regional assurances, and preserve communication channels when direct talks failed.

China appeared more indirectly in diplomatic accounts. Diplomatic sources suggested that Beijing was involved in consultations around the ceasefire framework. During an interview with AFP, the American president indicated that China played a role in bringing Iran to the negotiating table.

Last month, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar hosted a meeting with his counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt to discuss de-escalation efforts before traveling to Beijing for further consultations. China, Iran’s largest trading partner, later called for joint efforts with Pakistan to help end the conflict.

Details of the back-channel diplomacy still depend heavily on accounts from officials and analysts. An Islamabad-based official familiar with the ceasefire process, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Media Line, “Iran’s recent attacks on Saudi Arabia had significantly worsened the situation, pushing President Trump toward insisting on taking a very tough course of action.”

The same official indicated that the Trump administration was also aware of a growing perception, especially in Saudi Arabia, that the United States had abandoned its closest ally and was failing to ensure its protection.

That official added that “a complex internal rift appeared to be behind Iran’s recent attack, with indications that elements within the Iranian Revolutionary Guard carried out the operation without the consent of the political leadership and in opposition to a ceasefire. At a time when Pakistan-Iran negotiations had entered a decisive phase, the attack dealt a serious blow to peace efforts.”

The official further argued that Pakistan was operating in a challenging environment as it tried to prevent a wider war by acting as a bridge between Iran and Saudi Arabia, despite efforts by some actors to sabotage the process.

In that context, the official said, Pakistan remains engaged in seeking middle ground through what some officials have informally called the “Islamabad Accord.”

Pakistani officials described Islamabad’s role as central to the breakthrough, with Prime Minister Sharif and Field Marshal Munir facilitating back-channel exchanges between Washington and Tehran after direct communication stalled. Both held calls with President Trump and Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi to help finalize the framework.

Saudi Arabia, which has faced major fallout from Iranian strikes in recent weeks, adopted what officials described as a restrained response.

Muhammed Alhamed, a Saudi geopolitical analyst specializing in Middle Eastern diplomacy, told The Media Line: “Riyadh understands that a wider war would not only threaten Gulf security but also put the global energy market and the broader economy at serious risk.”

He emphasized that “Saudi Arabia showed restraint under direct threat, prioritized stability, and acted with full awareness of the consequences that any broader escalation would have on the region and the world.”

Alhamed said the recent unprovoked attacks on Saudi territory clearly indicated Iran’s efforts to draw Riyadh into the conflict.

He said: “Iran’s brazen attacks on the Gulf States, combined with disruptions and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, were dangerously provocative. Nevertheless, Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States responded with measured strategic patience, not from weakness, but from a profound sense of responsibility.”

Praising Pakistan’s diplomacy, Alhamed said careful dialogue, patience, and trust in Pakistan’s facilitation were essential to steer the region away from further escalation and toward a more durable outcome.

Aimen Jamil, a strategic affairs analyst based in Islamabad, told The Media Line that “Pakistan’s role in the emerging ‘Islamabad Accord’ reflects a calculated use of backchannel diplomacy rather than traditional mediation. Acting as a discreet facilitator, Islamabad positioned itself as a trusted conduit at a moment of acute escalation, enabling direct yet deniable communication between Washington and Tehran when formal diplomacy had stalled.”

She added that “Pakistan’s effectiveness stemmed from its unique strategic position, maintaining working ties with both the United States and Iran. Coordinated military and political engagement, along with quiet support from key partners such as China, helped sustain urgency, apply pressure, and reduce mistrust between the parties.”

Jamil said Pakistan’s push was driven not only by diplomacy but also by the risks of prolonged conflict, including energy disruptions, economic strain, and regional spillover.

While the ceasefire remains fragile and temporary, she said Pakistan has managed to create a viable de-escalation channel. Its longer-term significance, she argued, will depend on whether the Islamabad talks can turn a short pause into a broader and lasting agreement.

Mohsin Durrani, an Islamabad-based expert on regional security and diplomatic affairs, told The Media Line: “Pakistan’s role provided temporary stabilization, creating space for broader negotiations without ceding core leverage. While not guaranteeing a full resolution, it underscores the effectiveness of coordinated multilateral efforts. Upcoming Islamabad talks will test whether this pause can lead to lasting regional stability.”

He said: “Trump described Iran’s 10-point draft as a ‘workable basis’ for negotiation and announced a conditional two-week suspension of strikes, contingent on Iran reopening the Strait under its military oversight.”

Durrani said the arrangement allowed Washington to maintain that it had achieved its immediate military aims while shifting the focus of negotiations toward Iranian priorities.

He added that Israel, facing unanticipated operational costs, had adopted a more measured posture, though its longer-term territorial ambitions appeared deferred rather than abandoned.

Durrani also said that any enduring settlement would require Iran to address the two-state dimension in later discussions.

“It highlights Pakistan’s strategic importance in shaping regional stability and underscores the country’s diplomatic significance,” he added.

The test now is whether the Islamabad talks can move beyond the ceasefire and yield tangible progress on sanctions, uranium enrichment, regional security, and navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Israeli military officials announced Wednesday that Staff Sgt. Tuval Lipshitz, a member of the Golani Brigade, died during fighting with Hezbollah militants in southern Lebanon as military operations continue in the region.

The fatal encounter happened Tuesday afternoon when soldiers from Golani Battalion 13 were conducting reconnaissance operations in the village of a-Taybeh. During their mission to survey new territory, the troops came under attack from Hezbollah fighters who fired on them at point-blank range.

Lipshitz, who was from Beit She’an, lost his life in the firefight. Five other soldiers sustained injuries, with one critically wounded and four others suffering moderate to minor wounds. Military officials confirmed the injured personnel were transported for medical treatment and their families received notification.

Israeli troops responded with return fire during the confrontation, and the military launched aerial bombardments to secure the surrounding area. Military leaders believe several Hezbollah militants were eliminated as they sought shelter in nearby structures.

This death increases the total Israeli military fatalities in Lebanon to 12 since Operation Roaring Lion began in Iran.

The announcement comes after several recent military casualties. Earlier this week, Staff Sgt. Guy Ludar from the Maglan unit died in an accidental friendly fire incident in southern Lebanon. A unit officer was critically wounded and airlifted to Rambam Hospital in Haifa.

Monday saw four members of the Nahal Brigade reconnaissance unit killed in Lebanese combat operations: Capt. Noam Madmoni, 22, from Sderot; Staff Sgt. Ben Cohen, 21, from Lehavim; Staff Sgt. Maksim Antis, 21, from Bat Yam; and Staff Sgt. Gilad Harel, 21, from Modi’in Maccabim-Re’ut. That incident also left six soldiers wounded, with one in critical condition.